Why Is an Estate Plan Important?

Benjamin Long Estate Planning Attorney

“While no one wants to think about his or her own death, planning for the inevitable is an important part of protecting your assets and …

Do I Need to Update My Estate Plan?

Benjamin Long Estate Planning Attorney, Wills

“Even though it is critical for your assets, family and legacy, estate planning tends to fall to the bottom of people’s to-do lists. What new …

How Do I Talk to the Children About My Estate Planning?

Benjamin Long Estate Planning Attorney, Power of Attorney

Initiating the Conversation About Estate Planning with Your Children The Importance of Addressing Wealth Transfer “Many baby boomers may hesitate to discuss money with their …

Estate Battle With Millions at Stake in New Orleans

Benjamin Long Estate Planning Attorney

“The widow of car-dealership magnate Ray Brandt filed court papers to evict her family from their Old Metairie compound on Tuesday, the latest escalation of …

Why Do You Need a Health Care Directive?

Benjamin Long Advanced Directive, Estate Planning Attorney, Healthcare, Power of Attorney

What is a Health Care Directive?“A health care directive is a legal document that lets you express your health care preferences and, if you wish, …

What Is the Primary Purpose of a Credit Shelter Trust?

Benjamin Long Assets, Estate Planning Attorney, Probate

Understanding Credit Shelter Trusts for Estate PlanningThe Role of Credit Shelter Trusts in Reducing Estate Taxes“A credit shelter trust is used to help married couples …

Estate Planning Meets Tax Planning

Benjamin Long Charity, Estate Planning Attorney, Retirement Plan

Maximizing Your Legacy with Tax-Smart Estate PlanningUnderstanding Tax Implications for Different Assets“By being very selective about who receives which type of money—whether Traditional or Roth …

What Are Typical Estate Planning Documents?

Benjamin Long Estate Planning Attorney, Power of Attorney, Trusts, Wills

Essential Estate Planning Documents Overview“If you want loved ones to remember you fondly, tackle your estate planning tasks. Your heirs will thank you for not …

Can I Be Sure My Estate Plan Works?

Benjamin Long Estate Planning, Estate Planning Attorney, Executor, Trusts

“Your estate plan is much more likely to be successful, when you recognize and avoid the most common mistakes and take some key actions that …

What Happens to Debt When You Die?

Benjamin Long Debt, Estate Planning Attorney, Probate

“Creditors typically try to collect on unpaid debt, by going after the decedent’s estate during a process called probate.” When a person dies, it’s not …